In a microwave safe container, place 2 cups of water and heat for 30 - 45 seconds in the microwave. Place a thermometer in the water, and make sure it reads 100 -110 degrees.

Pour hot water into the mixing bowl from a stand mixer and add the sugar, stirring until completely dissolved.

Stir in the yeast and allow yeast to sit for about 30 minutes, or until it looks like creamy foam. (Make sure you let the yeast sit for at least 20 minutes).

Mix in the pinch of salt, and 1/4 cup of the melted butter, and stir just until mixed.

Add the flour one cup at a time.

When flour is all added place the mixing bowl on the stand and sprinkle with a little of the melted butter, and using the dough attachment, knead dough for 7 minutes on low speed.

Remove the bowl from the stand mixer, and pour the rest of the melted butter over the dough and turn the dough in the bowl coating it in the butter.

Turn the oven on at about 350 degrees for ONE minute and turn if off.

Place a damp cloth over the top of the bowl of dough and place the bowl in the warm oven.

Leave the bowl in the oven and allow the dough to rise for about an hour or until it's at least doubled in size.

Take the bowl out of the oven and gently punch the dough down and Knead it by hand for about 1 minute.

Generously grease your bread pan with Crisco.

If you're using two pans, divide the dough in half and shape into a loaf and place in pans. (If you're using a long bakers pan, grease it well, and place the dough in the pan, shaping it into a loaf in the pan, and making sure it reaches end to end).

Let the dough rise in the warm oven until it's about one inch above the pan - approximately 30 - 45 minutes.

Bake the bread at 350 degrees for 22 - 30 minutes lightly placing a piece of foil over the top if the bread top is getting too dark.

Remove bread from oven and place on a wire rack for 5 -7 minutes.

Gently run a metal spatula around the edge of the bread to loosen, remove and place the bread on the wire rack to cool completely.

Slice with a serrated bread knife.

Serve with butter, honey, jams, or jellies. Makes great toast, sandwiches, or snack.